Article-embedded folding container and method for producing same

ABSTRACT

A packaging blank capable of forming a container having at least two internal compartments comprises in one embodiment a substantially rectangular bottom panel having opposing first and second side panels, a substantially rectangular top panel connected to the bottom panel by the second side panel, and an internal panel connected to the top panel by a first glue flap, wherein the bottom panel typically includes at least one display window. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a container having multiple internal compartments that may be viewable through a plurality of display windows. A method of packaging a product and an associated article comprises in one embodiment the steps of providing a blank, folding the internal panel over the top panel, positioning the article on the internal panel, folding the bottom panel over the internal panel, and securing the container formed by the blank.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging blank. In particular, theinvention relates to a packaging blank capable of forming a containerhaving multiple internal compartments. The invention further relates toa container formed from the blank that includes multiple internalcompartments and one or more display windows that provide a view of theinternal compartments. Still further, the invention relates to a methodof packaging articles in the container wherein the container is formedaround the articles. The articles to be positioned can include a varietyof components, including informational inserts, coupons, warranty cards,warning cards, pouches, sachets, or similar substantially flat articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional packaging includes top walls, bottom walls, sidewalls, and closure panels for containing various products. As known tothose skilled in the art, packaging is typically formed from packagingblanks, or blanks for short. It will be understood that as used hereinthe term “blank” may include cardboard, rigid paper, flexible plastic,or similar products made of paperboard or plastic. In particular, thepackaging industry favors the use of one-piece flexible blanks, whichare readily incorporated into automated processes for forming packagingcontainers.

[0003] As used herein, the term “article” will refer primarily to aninformational insert or insert for short. Typical inserts are largesheets of printed paper that are folded to a smaller size for inclusioninto a packaging container. Generally, the inserts are inserted into theinterior of the containers alongside the primary product.

[0004] Today, the packaging of inserts, in concert with an associatedproduct, is managed in the product manufacturers' facilities. Actualinsertion into the container is accomplished by either manual orautomated processes. As an example, pharmaceutical manufacturers areoften required to include one or more informational inserts along withtheir primary products (e.g., typically blister cards or plastic bottlesof tablets). Manual insertion of inserts is slow and labor intensive.Although typically more efficient than manual insertion, automatedinsertion systems may result in increased waste, slower productionspeeds, and may also require additional labor on the line. By supplyingan insert-embedded folding container, the need for manual or in-lineinsertion of inserts at the product manufacturer's site is eliminated,thus creating significant efficiencies in their production processes.

[0005] Product manufacturers in selected industries, such as thepharmaceutical industry, are required to incorporate Good ManufacturingPractices to ensure that the correct informational insert is marriedwith the appropriate product being housed in the container. However,most containers lack windows that permit a view of the inserts and anyidentifying code (e.g., bar code) printed on the insert. Thus, oncesealed, it is necessary to actually destroy the package in order toverify the process. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a packagingblank capable of forming a container that includes one or more displaywindows that permit viewing of one or more informational insertscontained therein. It will be understood that as used herein, the term“viewing” may include reading with the human eye or scanning with a barcode scanner.

[0006] Most current processes employed create packaging on one apparatusand then insert products and associated inserts on a separate apparatusafter the container is formed. The method of packaging pharmaceuticalsand inserts as described above typically uses a belt-driven conveyor foradvancing a blank along a production line. In production, the blank isfolded along fold lines and portions of the blank are secured to oneanother (e.g., by adhesive) to form a container. This process istypically completed by a packaging supplier who then ships the finishedpackage to the product manufacturer. Subsequently, the productmanufacturer mechanically inserts the primary product into thepackaging. The insert can then either be manually or mechanically placedinto the container.

[0007] Unfortunately, this method creates “dual inventories” at theproduct manufacturers' facilities. The product manufacturer is requiredto independently stock and track the primary product, the package, andthe inserts up until the point of manufacture. Thus there is a need fora method for providing an insert-embedded folding container thatsimplifies the product manufacturer's inventory requirements.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide forthe packaging of a product and an associated insert suitable for use inautomated processing.

[0009] Another object of the invention is the provision of a containerformed from a blank that provides visual verification that the primaryproduct is properly matched with its associated insert.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to increase themanufacturing efficiencies associated with placing informational insertsor other articles.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to improve inventorymanagement by eliminating the necessity for manufacturers to trackseparate inventories for containers and inserts.

[0012] The invention meets these objectives with a packaging blankcapable of forming a container having multiple internal compartments. Inparticular, the invention is a packaging blank having multiple displaywindows that provide a view of the internal compartments of thecontainer upon construction. In another aspect, the invention is amethod for packaging an article (e.g., insert) that incorporates theblank wherein the container is formed around the insert.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the inventionand the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearerbased on the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thecontainer illustrating the display windows that permit viewing ofindicia printed on article (e.g., informational inserts) that arepositioned in an internal compartment.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a top planar view of a preferred embodiment of thepackaging blank depicting the top panel, bottom panel, internal panel,and display windows.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 3-3on FIG. 1 depicting a product (e.g., blister pack) positioned in oneinternal compartment and articles (e.g., multiple inserts) positioned inanother internal compartment of the preferred embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container illustrating a userpulling the pull-flap upwardly, thereby detaching the sides of the pullflap from the bottom wall to gain access to the internal compartmentcontaining the insert.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container showing the userremoving the insert from an internal compartment.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container depicting the userremoving a packaged product from an internal compartment.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of thecontainer illustrating a single display window.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a top planar view of the second embodiment of thepackaging blank.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of thecontainer taken generally along lines 9-9 on FIG. 7 depicting a blisterpack positioned in one internal compartment and an insert positioned inanother internal compartment.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging blank displaying aninsert placed on the internal panel of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which apreferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0025] An overall view of a container 16 formed from a preferredembodiment of a packaging blank 10 which incorporates features of thepresent invention is set forth in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term“panel” is used in conjunction with the packaging blank of the presentinvention and refers to sections of the blank. Further, the term “wall”is used in conjunction with the container of the present invention andrefers to structures forming the container.

[0026] As depicted in FIG. 2, the packaging blank 10 includes a toppanel 11, a bottom panel 12, and an internal panel 13. It will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that the terms top panel andbottom panel, and top wall and bottom wall, are also referred to asfront panel and rear panel in the packaging industry.

[0027] With reference to the orientation of the blank in FIG. 2, it willbe understood that the term “width” refers to a distance measured fromthe lowermost portion of a side panel 14, 15 or glue flap 21, 22 to theuppermost portion of a side panel or glue flap. It will be furtherappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, as used herein,the concept of a panel or wall being “between” two other panels or wallsdoes not necessarily imply that the three panels or walls are contiguous(i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of onepanel or wall being between two other panels or walls is meant todescribe the relative positions of the panels or walls within the blankor container structure, respectively. Similarly, as used herein, theconcept of a first panel being connected to a second panel by a thirdpanel, “opposite” the second panel, merely describes the relativepositions of the first and second panels within the blank structure.

[0028] The bottom panel 12 of the preferred blank 10 as shown in FIG. 2includes opposing first and second side panels 14, 15, and at least twodisplay windows 20. An alternative embodiment of the preferred blank 10may include a single window (not shown). The bottom panel 12 isconnected to the top panel 11 by the second side panel 15. Uponconstructing the blank 10 into a container 16, the window 20 facilitatesbar code verification as discussed herein.

[0029] The internal panel 13 of the preferred embodiment is connected tothe top panel 11 by a first glue flap 21. As depicted, the top panel 11is positioned between the bottom panel 12 and the internal panel 13. Theinternal panel 13 includes a second glue flap 22 positioned opposite thefirst glue flap 21. The width of the second glue flap 22 is preferablyless than the width of the first glue flap 21.

[0030] Advantageously, the blank 10 is capable of being folded such thatthe internal panel 13 divides the interior space defined by the toppanel 11 and the bottom panel 12 in order to form more than one internalpackaging compartment 23. See FIG. 3. Thus, the blank 10 is capable offorming a container 16 that has at least two internal compartments 23for separately receiving a product 71 and an article 34 (e.g., insert).

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the top panel 11, bottom panel 12,and internal panel 13 are substantially rectangular. Nevertheless, itwill be understood that the top and bottom panels 11, 12 and internalpanel 13 are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be oval,polygonal, or elliptical in shape.

[0032] As illustrated in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, thepackaging blank 10 may be a one-piece flexible blank formed frompaperboard or plastic. The blank 10 includes an external planar side 24and an internal planar side 25. The external planar side 24 ispreferably finished. As used herein, it will be understood that the term“finished” means coated with a material to produce an attractive glossyfinish. The term “finished” will also be understood to mean theinclusion of printed material or other identifying indicia (e.g., acompany's logo).

[0033] In order to facilitate the formation of a substantiallyrectangular container 16, the widths of the first and second side panels14, 15 of the preferred embodiment are about equal to one another.

[0034] As depicted in FIG. 2, two pairs of dust flaps 30 are provided atopposing ends of the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15.Each pair of dust flaps 30 extend beyond the ends of the first andsecond side panels 14, 15, and are foldable along fold lines formed inthe blank 10. The dust flaps 30 form part of end closures for securingthe container 16 as described herein. In the preferred embodiment, apair of closure panels 31 is also provided at opposing ends of thebottom panel 12. Alternatively, the pair of closure panels 31 may beattached to opposing ends of the top panel 11. In yet anotherembodiment, a pair of closure panels 31 may be formed at opposing endsof both the bottom and top panel 12, 11 so that the opposing closurepanels may be folded inwardly against one another in an overlappingfashion and adhered to one another. As known to those skilled in theart, this latter embodiment forms what is known as a “sealed end” cartonor container.

[0035] The outermost opposing ends of each closure panel 31 may includean outermost tuck flap 32 for insertion into the interior of thecontainer 16 upon construction. Accordingly, the dust flaps 30, closurepanels 31, and tuck flaps 32 form the end closures for securing thecontainer 16 formed from the blank 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention provides a pull-flap 33 that is formed by perforations 26 inthe bottom panel 12. The pull-flap 33 is positioned on the bottom panel12 adjacent to one of the display windows 20 and defines at least oneside of a first window. As configured, the pull-flap 33 of the preferredembodiment defines the entire perimeter of a second window.

[0037] In this configuration, the pull-flap 33 formed in the blank 10provides a consumer with easy access to an insert 34 that may be placedin one of the internal compartments 23. Specifically, the pull-flap 33permits the consumer to grasp the edge of the pull-flap adjacent awindow, lift the flap away from the container 16 to tear theperforations 26 in the bottom panel 12, thereby separating the pull-flapfrom the bottom panel and providing access to the insert 34 containedwithin an adjacent internal compartment 23. See FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.Accordingly, the product 71 is preferably positioned in a first internalcompartment 70 and the insert 34 is positioned in a second internalcompartment 72. See FIG. 3.

[0038] As configured, the display windows 20 are positioned on thebottom panel 12 such that the external planar side 24 of the internalpanel 13 is viewable through the display windows upon construction ofthe container 16. The display windows 20 thereby provide a view of atleast two different positions on the external planar side 24 of theinternal panel 13. Accordingly, two windows would provide a view of twoseparate inserts 34 and any indicia (e.g., bar code) printed thereon.

[0039] A perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention is depicted in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the secondembodiment of the invention includes a packaging blank 35 having a toppanel 36, bottom panel 37, and an internal panel 38. The bottom panel 37is connected to the top panel 36 by a first side panel 39, and includesat least one display window 40. The internal panel 38 of the secondembodiment is connected to the top panel 36 by a second side panel 41.As depicted, the top panel 36 is positioned between the bottom panel 37and the internal panel 38.

[0040] The internal panel 38 includes a glue flap 42 positioned oppositethe second side panel 41. The glue flap 42 has a width that is less thanthe width of the first side panel 39. As shown in FIG. 9, the secondembodiment of the packaging blank 35 is likewise foldable such that theinternal panel 38 (illustrated as an internal wall 67) divides theinterior space of a container 43 defined by the top and bottom panels36, 37 (illustrated as a top wall 65 and a bottom wall 66), therebyforming a multi-compartmented container.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 8, the second embodiment likewise consistsessentially of a one-piece flexible paperboard blank 35 that includes afinished external planar side 44 and an internal planar side 45. Inorder for the second embodiment to facilitate the formation of thesubstantially rectangular container 43, the width of the first sidepanel 39 and the width of the second side panel 41 are about equal.

[0042] The end closures of the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 alsoinclude dust flaps 46, closure panels 47, and tuck flaps 48 similar tothe first embodiment of FIG. 2. In other words, the first and secondside panels 39, 41 each include a pair of dust flaps 46 formed atrespective opposing ends. In addition, a pair of closure panels 47 andassociated tuck flaps 48 is likewise provided at opposing ends of eitherthe bottom panel 37 or top panel 36 to secure the container 43. Inanother embodiment, a pair of closure panels 47 may be formed atopposing ends of both the bottom and top panel 37, 36 so that theopposing panels may be folded against one another (i.e., overlapping)and adhered to form a sealed end carton.

[0043] The second embodiment also provides a pull-flap 49 formed byperforations 50 in the bottom panel 37. As illustrated in FIG. 8, theedge of the pull flap 49 is positioned adjacent the display window 40.As configured, at least one display window 40 is positioned on thebottom panel 37 such that the external planar side 44 of the internalpanel 38 is viewable through the display window upon construction of thecontainer 43.

[0044] The multiple windows of the preferred embodiment and the singlewindow of the second embodiment are similar with respect to theirpositioning. Stated differently, each window 20, 40 of the first andsecond embodiments is positioned on the bottom panels 12, 37 such that aportion of the external planar sides 24,44 of the internal panels 13, 38is viewable through each window when the packaging blanks 10, 35 areformed into containers 16, 43.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.1, includes a container 16 formed from the packaging blank 10 that hasmultiple internal compartments 23. As described above, the term “wall”is used in conjunction with the container of the present invention—asopposed to the previously described blank. Further, the term wall refersto structures forming the container as opposed to the sections of theblank. With reference to the orientation of the container in FIG. 1, itwill be understood that the term “width” refers to a distance measuredfrom the base of the container to the top of the container.

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the container includes a top wall 55, abottom wall 56, and an internal wall 57. In the preferred embodiment thetop wall 55, bottom wall 56, and internal wall 57 are substantiallyrectangular in shape, but may be oval, polygonal, or any similar shapesupporting the construction of a container. The bottom wall 56 isconnected to the top wall 55 by a first and second side wall 58, 59. Atleast one display window 20 is provided in the bottom wall 56 forviewing the internal wall 57 that is positioned between the top andbottom walls. See FIG. 3. Alternatively, it will be understood that apreferred embodiment of the container 16 may include a single window.The internal wall 57 is connected at each end to the first and secondside walls 58, 59. The positioning of the internal wall 57 therebydefines multiple internal packaging compartments 23, that is to say, afirst internal compartment 70 and a second internal compartment 72,within the container 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0047] The internal wall 57 of the preferred embodiment of the container16 includes a first glue flap 61 that connects the internal wall to thefirst side wall 58. The internal wall 57 also includes a second glueflap 62 attached to the second side wall 59. The width of the secondglue flap 62 is preferably less than the width of the second side wall59. The container 16 is preferably formed from a one-piece flexiblepaperboard blank 10 that includes an external planar side 18 and aninternal planar side 25. The container 16 may also be formed from aone-piece flexible plastic blank. A preferred embodiment of thecontainer 16 includes a finished external planar side that may includeprinted matter or similar indicia. In this configuration, the top wall55, bottom wall 56, and internal wall 57 form substantially parallelplanes. See FIG. 3.

[0048] The width of the first and second side walls 58, 59 are aboutequal to facilitate the formation of a substantially rectangularcontainer 16. The first and second side walls 58, 59 each include a pairof dust flaps 30 formed at opposing ends of the respective side walls.In the preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 56 includes a pair ofclosure panels 31 formed at opposing ends of the bottom wall. It will beunderstood that the pair of closure panels 31 may, alternatively, bepositioned at opposing ends of the top wall 55.

[0049] Each of the closure panels 31 may include a tuck flap 32 formedat opposing ends of the closure panels for insertion into the interiorof the container 16. In an alternative embodiment lacking tuck flaps 32,an end closure may be formed from a pair of closure panels formed atopposing ends of both the bottom and top panel. In this configuration,the opposing panels may be folded inwardly against one another (i.e.,overlapping) and adhered to one another, thus forming sealed end carton.It will be understood that an end of the container 16 may be secured inany number of ways consistent with standard packaging practices.

[0050] The preferred embodiment of the container 16 may also include apull-flap 33 for providing access to the interior of the container.Specifically, perforations 26 in the bottom wall 56 define the pull-flap33 that is positioned adjacent the display windows 20. As discussed, thepull-flap 33 provides easy access to multiple inserts 34 positioned onthe internal wall 57 without destroying the sealed and secured package.As configured, at least one display window 20 is positioned on thebottom wall 56 such that a portion of internal wall 57 is viewablethrough display windows 20.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment includes any numberof informational inserts 34 positioned on the internal wall 57. In thisfashion, the inserts are viewable through the display windows 20.

[0052] An alternative embodiment of the container 43 also includes a topwall 65, a bottom wall 66, and an internal wall 67. See FIG. 9. Thebottom wall 66 is likewise connected to the top wall 65 by a first andsecond side wall 68, 69. The bottom wall 66, however, includes a singledisplay window 40. The internal wall 67 is similarly connected to thefirst and second side walls 68, 69. The internal wall 67 is alsopositioned between the top and bottom walls 65, 66, thereby forming morethan one internal packaging compartment 23. The internal wall 67 alsoincludes a single glue flap 42. In the second embodiment of thecontainer 51, however, the glue flap 42 is attached to the first sidewall 68. In this configuration, the top wall 65, bottom wall 66, andinternal wall 67 form substantially parallel planes.

[0053] The second embodiment of the container 43 likewise may be formedfrom a one-piece flexible paperboard or plastic blank 35 that has anexternal planar side 44 and an internal planar side 45. Preferably, theexternal planar side is finished.

[0054] In regards to end closures, the first side wall 68 includes apair of dust flaps 46 formed at opposing ends of the first side wall.The second side wall 69 likewise includes a pair of dust flaps 46 formedat opposing ends of the second side wall. The bottom wall 66 includes apair of closure panels 47 formed at opposing ends of the bottom wall.Alternatively, the top wall 65 may include a pair of opposing closurepanels 47. It will be understood that a pair of closure panels 47 mayalso be provided at opposing ends of both the top and bottom walls 65,66 for forming a sealed end. Each closure panel 47 may also include atuck flap 48 formed at the outermost opposing ends of the closurepanels.

[0055] A pull-flap 49 is also provided in the second embodiment of thecontainer 43. The pull-flap is similarly formed by perforations 50 inthe bottom wall 66, and positioned adjacent to the display window 40. Asdescribed, the display window 40 is positioned on the bottom wall 66such that a portion of the internal wall 67 is viewable through thedisplay window.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention includes the use of the packagingblanks 10, 35 of the present invention in conjunction with a method forpackaging articles (e.g., informational inserts). This method ispreferably accomplished at a packaging supplier's facility, therebyeliminating the requirement for a product manufacturer to package theproduct and its associated article (e.g., insert) in separate insertionsteps. Stated differently, the product manufacturer is not required toindependently stock and track the primary product, the associatedinserts, and the package. As depicted, a flexible blank that includes aninternal planar side and an external planar side is provided on a workstation.

[0057] In a preferred method, a blank 10 is provided that includes abottom panel 12 having first and second side panels 14, 15, and a toppanel 11 connected to the bottom panel by the second side panel. Thepreferred method further provides a blank 10 having an internal panel 13that is connected to the top panel 11 by a first glue flap 21 positionedopposite the top panel.

[0058] The internal panel 13 is then folded over the top panel 11 toform, upon construction, a first internal compartment 70 in which aproduct 71 to be packaged is positioned, for example, at a productmanufacturer's facility during the final stages of packaging. See FIG.3. Alternatively, a packaging manufacturer may incorporate the step ofplacing a product associated with the article on an internal planar side25 of the flexible blank 10. It will be understood that the product maybe placed on the top panel 11, the second side panel 15, or the internalpanel 13 in this alternative method.

[0059] Upon folding the internal panel 13 over the top panel 11, theexternal planar side 24 of the blank 10 is presented for receiving atleast one article 34 as described herein. In a preferred method, theinternal panel 13 is folded along a fold line connecting the first glueflap 21 to the top panel 11 such that the internal panel issubstantially parallel and adjacent to the top panel. In a preferredmethod, the blank provided includes a second glue flap 22 that isconnected to the internal panel 13, and positioned opposite the firstglue flap 21. As provided, the external planar side 24 of the secondglue flap 22 is then adhered to the internal planar side 25 of thesecond side panel 15. In the preferred method, the internal panel 13 isfolded over the top panel 11 such that the folded blank 10 issubstantially flat.

[0060] After folding the internal panel 13 over the top panel 11 andadhering the second glue flap 22 to the second side panel 15, at leastone article 34 is positioned on the external planar side 24 of theinternal panel. It will be understood, that upon construction of thecontainer, a second internal compartment 72 is formed in which thearticle is positioned. A preferred method of positioning the article 34includes adhering the article to the external planar side 24 of theinternal panel with adhesive or static charge.

[0061] The step of positioning an article may incorporate a conventionaldevice that includes an arm having a suction means which retrieves anarticle and then positions the same on a panel of the blank. Forexample, an article 34 may be retrieved and then selectively placed onthe blank 10 such that a bar code 63 on the article is viewable througha display window 20 upon construction of the container 16. Accordingly,a bar code scanner positioned along an automated production line mayscan the bar code 63 on the article 34, thereby expeditingpharmaceutical compliance. In other words, the product manufacturer canensure that the appropriate article-embedded container is married withthe appropriate product 71 (e.g., pharmaceutical) to be packaged in thecontainer 16.

[0062] Subsequently, the bottom panel 12 is folded over the internalpanel 13. In a preferred method, the bottom panel 12 is folded over thetop panel 11 and the internal planar side of the first side panel 14 isadhered to the external planar side of the first glue flap 21, therebyforming a substantially flat container suitable for shipment and capableof being constructed into a substantially rectangular container 16.

[0063] Accordingly, the bottom panel 12 is folded over the internalpanel 13 such that one or more articles 34 positioned on the internalpanel are viewable though multiple display windows 20 formed in thebottom panel. The substantially flat container having an article 34embedded therein, may subsequently be shipped to a product manufacturerwhere a product 71 can be married with its respective article-embeddedcontainer 16. Specifically, the substantially flat container can beconstructed in a rectangular container 16 and the product 71 associatedwith the article 34 can be positioned in the first internal compartment70.

[0064] Subsequently, the container may be secured by folding a pair ofdust flaps 30 formed at opposing ends of the first and second sidepanels 14, 15 against the internal panel 13. A pair of tuck flaps 32formed at the outermost opposing end of the bottom panel 12 is theninserted into the first internal compartment 70. Consequently, a pair ofclosure panels 31 formed at opposing ends of either the top panel 11 orthe bottom panel 12 are positioned adjacent each pair of dust flaps 30and the container 16 is secured. Nevertheless, it will be understoodthat an end closure may be formed from closure panels 31 formed atopposing ends of the top and bottom panels 11, 12 that do not includetuck flaps 32, such that an end of the container 16 may be secured byoverlapping and adhering the closure panels to form a sealed end, thussecuring the container.

[0065] Accordingly, the present method whereby an article is positionedon the blank, and the container is subsequently formed around thearticle, promotes substantially higher assembly speeds and lower wastethan existing methods, whereby the container is formed and then thearticle is inserted into the finished container. Stated differently, thepresent method positions an article during the formation of thecontainer, as opposed to inserting the article after construction of thecontainer. Accordingly, upon construction of the container, the finishedpackage includes an article and is ready to accept an associatedproduct. Moreover, the present method is capable of incorporating a widevariety of products into the present container. For example, cosmetics,gifts, small toys, and the like may be packaged along with an associatedinsert in accordance with the present invention. In addition, multipleproducts can be placed in the same package. In cases where the containerforming equipment allows faster construction speeds than the capabilityof one retrieval arm device, additional retrieval units can be placedalong the production line and synchronized to deliver the finishedproduct at a faster rate than previously achieved.

[0066] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosedtypical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms havebeen employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventionbeing set forth in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A packaging blank capable of forming acontainer having at least two internal compartments, said blankcomprising: a substantially rectangular bottom panel having opposingfirst and second side panels, said bottom panel including at least onedisplay window; a substantially rectangular top panel that is connectedto said bottom panel by said second side panel; and an internal panelthat is connected to said top panel by a first glue flap, said top panelbeing positioned between said bottom panel and said internal panel;wherein said internal panel includes a second glue flap opposite saidfirst glue flap, said second glue flap having a width that is less thanor about equal to the width of said first glue flap; wherein said blankis capable of being folded such that said internal panel divides theinterior space defined by said top panel and said bottom panel, therebyforming more than one internal packaging compartment.
 2. A packagingblank according to claim 1, wherein said packaging blank consistsessentially of a one-piece flexible blank.
 3. A packaging blankaccording to claim 2, wherein said one-piece flexible blank has anexternal planar side and an internal planar side, said external planarside being finished.
 4. A packaging blank according to claim 1, whereinthe width of said second side panel and the width of said first glueflap are about equal to facilitate the formation of a substantiallyrectangular package.
 5. A packaging blank according to claim 1, whereinsaid internal panel is substantially rectangular.
 6. A packaging blankaccording to claim 1, wherein: said first side panel includes a pair ofdust flaps formed at opposing ends of said first side panel; and saidsecond side panel includes a pair of dust flaps formed at opposing endsof said second side panel.
 7. A packaging blank according to claim 1,wherein a pair of closure panels is attached to opposing ends of eithersaid top panel or said bottom panel.
 8. A packaging blank according toclaim 7, wherein said closure panels include a tuck flap formed atopposing ends of said closure panels.
 9. A packaging blank according toclaim 1, wherein a pair of closure panels is attached to opposing endsof both said top panel and said bottom panel.
 10. A packaging blankaccording to claim 1, further comprising a pull-flap formed byperforations in said bottom panel, said pull-flap positioned adjacent tosaid at least one display window.
 11. A packaging blank according toclaim 1, wherein said at least one display window is positioned on saidbottom panel such that at least a portion of said internal panel isviewable through said at least one window when said packaging blank isformed into a container.
 12. A packaging blank according to claim 1,wherein said bottom panel includes at least two display windows.
 13. Apackaging blank capable of forming a container having at least twointernal compartments, said blank comprising: a substantiallyrectangular top panel; a substantially rectangular bottom panel that isconnected to said top panel by a first side panel, said bottom panelincluding at least one display window; and an internal panel that isconnected to said top panel by a second side panel, said internal panelpositioned opposite said top panel, wherein said internal panel includesa glue flap opposite said second side panel, said glue flap having awidth that is less than the width of said first side panel; wherein saidblank is capable of being folded such that said internal panel dividesthe interior space defined by said top panel and said bottom panel,thereby forming more than one internal packaging compartment.
 14. Apackaging blank according to claim 13, wherein said packaging blankconsists essentially of a one-piece flexible blank.
 15. A packagingblank according to claim 14, wherein said one-piece flexible blank hasan external planar side and an internal planar side, said externalplanar side being finished.
 16. A packaging blank according to claim 13,wherein the width of said first side panel and the width of said secondside panel are about equal to facilitate the formation of asubstantially rectangular package.
 17. A packaging blank according toclaim 13, wherein said internal panel is substantially rectangular. 18.A packaging blank according to claim 13, wherein: said first side panelincludes a pair of dust flaps formed at opposing ends of said first sidepanel; and said second side panel includes a pair of dust flaps formedat opposing ends of said second side panel.
 19. A packaging blankaccording to claim 13, wherein a pair of closure panels is attached toopposing ends of either said top panel or said bottom panel.
 20. Apackaging blank according to claim 19, wherein said closure panelsinclude a tuck flap formed at opposing ends of said closure panels. 21.A packaging blank according to claim 13, wherein a pair of closurepanels is attached to opposing ends of both said top panel and saidbottom panel.
 22. A packaging blank according to claim 13, furthercomprising a pull-flap formed by perforations in said bottom panel, saidpull-flap positioned adjacent to said at least one display window.
 23. Apackaging blank according to claim 13, wherein said at least one displaywindow is positioned on said bottom panel such that at least a portionof said internal panel is viewable through said at least one displaywindow when said packaging blank is formed into a container.
 24. Apackaging blank according to claim 13, wherein said bottom panelincludes at least two display windows.
 25. A container having at leasttwo internal compartments, said container comprising: a substantiallyrectangular top wall; a substantially rectangular bottom wall that isconnected to said top wall by a first side wall and a second side wall,said bottom wall including at least one display window; and an internalwall that is connected to said first and second side walls, wherein saidinternal wall is positioned between said top wall and said bottom wall,thereby forming more than one internal packaging compartment; whereinsaid internal wall includes a first glue flap attached to said firstside wall.
 26. A container according to claim 25, wherein said containerconsists essentially of a one-piece flexible blank.
 27. A containeraccording to claim 26, wherein said one-piece flexible blank has anexternal planar side and an internal planar side, said external planarside being finished.
 28. A container according to claim 25, wherein saidtop wall, said bottom wall, and said internal wall form substantiallyparallel planes.
 29. A container according to claim 25, wherein: saidinternal wall includes a second glue flap that connects said internalwall to said second side wall; and wherein the width of said second glueflap and the width of said first glue flap are about equal.
 30. Acontainer according to claim 25, wherein said internal wall issubstantially rectangular.
 31. A container according to claim 25,wherein: said first side wall includes a pair of dust flaps formed atopposing ends of said first side wall; and said second side wallincludes a pair of dust flaps formed at opposing ends of said secondside wall.
 32. A container according to claim 25, wherein a pair ofclosure panels is attached to opposing ends of either said top panel orsaid bottom panel.
 33. A container according to claim 32, wherein saidclosure panels include a tuck flap formed at opposing ends of saidclosure panels.
 34. A container according to claim 25, wherein a pair ofclosure panels is attached to opposing ends of both said top panel andsaid bottom panel.
 35. A container according to claim 25, furthercomprising a pull-flap formed by perforations in said bottom wall, saidpull-flap positioned adjacent to said plurality of display windows. 36.A container according to claim 25, wherein said display window ispositioned on said bottom wall such that at least a portion of saidinternal wall is viewable through said display window.
 37. A containeraccording to claim 25, further comprising a plurality of articlespositioned on said internal wall such that said articles are viewablethrough said plurality of display windows.
 38. A container having atleast two internal compartments, said container comprising: asubstantially rectangular top wall; a substantially rectangular bottomwall that is connected to said top wall by a first side wall and secondside wall, said bottom wall including at least one display window; andan internal wall that is connected to said first and second side walls,said internal wall being positioned between said top wall and saidbottom wall, thereby forming more than one internal packagingcompartment; wherein said internal wall includes a glue flap attached tosaid first side wall, said glue flap having a width that is less thanthe width of said first side wall.
 39. A container according to claim38, wherein said container consists essentially of a one-piece flexibleblank.
 40. A container according to claim 39, wherein said one-pieceflexible blank has an external planar side and an internal planar side,said external planar side being finished.
 41. A container according toclaim 38, wherein the width of s aid first side wall and the width ofsaid second side wall are about equal such that said container issubstantially rectangular.
 42. A container according to claim 38,wherein said internal wall is substantially rectangular.
 43. A containeraccording to claim 38, wherein: said first side wall includes a pair ofdust flaps formed at opposing ends of said first side wall; and saidsecond side wall includes a pair of dust flaps formed at opposing endsof said second side wall.
 44. A container according to claim 38, whereina pair of closure panels is attached to opposing ends of either said toppanel or said bottom panel.
 45. A container according to claim 44,wherein said closure panels include a tuck flap formed at opposing endsof said closure panels.
 46. A container according to claim 38, wherein apair of closure panels is attached to opposing ends of both said toppanel and said bottom panel.
 47. A container according to claim 38,further comprising a pull-flap formed by perforations in said bottomwall, said pull-flap positioned adjacent to said display window.
 48. Acontainer according to claim 38, wherein said display window ispositioned on said bottom wall such that at least a portion of saidinternal wall is viewable through said display window.
 49. A containeraccording to claim 38, further comprising an article positioned on saidinternal wall such that said article is viewable through said displaywindow.
 50. A container according to claim 38, wherein said bottom wallincludes at least two display windows.
 51. A container having at leasttwo internal compartments, said container comprising: a substantiallyrectangular top wall; a substantially rectangular bottom wall that isconnected to said top wall by a first and second side wall, said bottomwall including at least one display window; a pair of closure panelsformed at opposing ends of said bottom wall, each of said closure panelsincluding a tuck flap formed at opposing ends of said closure panels; afirst pair of dust flaps formed at opposing ends of said first sidewall; a second pair of dust flaps formed at opposing ends of said secondside wall; an internal wall that is connected to said first and secondside walls, said internal wall being positioned between said top walland said bottom wall to thereby form more than one internal packagingcompartment; a first glue flap that connects said internal wall and saidfirst side wall; a second glue flap attached to said second side wall; apull-flap formed by perforations in said bottom wall, said pull-flappositioned adjacent to said plurality of display windows; and aplurality of articles positioned on said internal wall such that saidarticles are viewable through said plurality of display windows; whereinsaid container consists essentially of a one-piece flexible blank.
 52. Acontainer according to claim 51, wherein said one-piece flexible blankhas an external planar side and an internal planar side, said externalplanar side being finished.
 53. A method of packaging articles, saidmethod comprising: providing a flexible blank having an internal planarside and an external planar side; said blank comprising a bottom panelhaving a first and second side panel, a top panel connected to thebottom panel by the second side panel, and an internal panel that isconnected to the top panel by a first glue flap, opposite the top panel;folding the internal panel over the top panel upon which at least onearticle is positioned; positioning at least one article to be packagedon the external planar side of the internal panel; and folding thebottom panel over the internal panel; wherein the container issubstantially flat, yet capable of being constructed into asubstantially rectangular container.
 54. A packaging method according toclaim 53, wherein the blank provided includes a second glue flapconnected to the internal panel, opposite the first glue flap; and thestep of folding the internal panel comprises: folding the internal panelto a position substantially adjacent the top panel; and adhering thesecond glue flap to the second side panel.
 55. A packaging methodaccording to claim 53, wherein the step of positioning at least onearticle comprises adhering the article to be packaged to the internalpanel.
 56. A packaging method according to claim 53, wherein the step offolding the bottom panel comprises adhering a portion of the bottompanel to the internal panel, thereby forming a substantially flatcontainer.
 57. A packaging method according to claim 56, wherein thestep of adhering a portion of the bottom panel further comprisesadhering the first side panel to the first glue flap.
 58. A packagingmethod according to claim 56, wherein the step of folding the bottompanel further comprises folding the bottom panel over the internal panelsuch that at least one article is viewable through at least one displaywindow formed in the bottom panel.
 59. A packaging method according toclaim 53, further comprising: placing a product to be packaged on aninternal planar side of the flexible blank; and securing the containerafter the step of folding the bottom panel.